Things to do in Newquay

The surfing capital of the UK is home to sandy beaches, stunning views, cracking seafood restaurants and Boardmasters – a world-class music and extreme sports festival. With so much on offer, you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Newquay. The seaside town has been a major British tourist destination for more than a hundred years – its population grows fivefold during the summer months from roughly 20,000 to more than 100,000. The tourism industry contributes so much to the town, and it gives back with plenty of great hotels in Newquay, alongside a fantastic array of activities, attractions and events. You can go on a sea safari, take a trip to the zoo, learn how to surf or simply bask on the beach. Take a look through our Newquay guide, including top tips and quirky recommendations for days out, as well as the best places to eat and drink.

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Attractions

The town’s very best views are of bays and beaches, but away from the seaside, Newquay also boasts Elizabethan manor houses and one very important coastal hut for you to cast your eye over. Read our guide to discover the must-see attractions.

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Beaches

No trip to Newquay is complete without a day at the beach. Read our guide to discover the best sandy stretches in town, whether you want to top up your tan, make a splash with some water sports or simply spend a day in the sun with the family.

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Shopping

Newquay is a shopper’s delight – if you’re specifically looking for surfing gear. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy, wander down the high street, which is full of familiar names, or get your hands on a seaside souvenir at one of the many sweet stores and surf shops.

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Culture

Looking for a little bit of culture during your visit? Well, Newquay’s got the lot. The town offers a wonderful selection of fine art galleries, an aviation museum, a fabulous carnival and even a fish festival. Take a look through our guide and see what’s happening during your stay.

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Activities

Home to one of the UK’s best-loved stretches of coastline, you can go surfing, kayaking and more. But should the weather take a turn, there’s also plenty of great indoor activities in Newquay to keep you occupied. Whether you want to see a Pacific octopus or go for a pony ride, you won’t be disappointed if you ever decide to leave the beaches behind.

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Places to eat

The food scene in Newquay has never been better. Our guide goes far beyond the best places to go for an armful of fish and chips or a bag of sweets. We’ll also explore the town’s variety of delectable restaurants, including cuisines from across the globe, alongside some cosy cafés where you can sample the fare.

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Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Newquay comes into its own, with a vibrant nightlife scene that is simply brimming with lively pubs, traditional inns, cool cocktail lounges, speakeasies and beach bars. You’ll be spoilt for drinks choices, so why stick to cider? Take a look at our guide to discover some of the best watering holes in town.

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Newquay Zoo

Spread out over 13 acres of lush greenery and tropical gardens, Newquay Zoo is an absolute must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. This education, conservation and research charity is home to over 1,000 of the rarest animals in the world, as well as offering daily talks, activity trails, mazes and play areas for the ideal family day out in Newquay.

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Boardmasters

Summer brings the Boardmasters festival back to Newquay. It’s the UK’s favourite extreme sports festival, which combines world-famous artists and legendary riders for a glorious weekend of music, surfing, skating, BMX, DJs and after-parties. Find out everything you need to know to get involved with the festivities.

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Getting around

Making your way around Newquay is easy with the help of our guide to the seaside town’s travel options. From catching taxis to airport transfers and bus services, we’ve got you covered.

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